Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 35 Before marrying Caleb, Sydney had asked around, trying to learn who he truly loved, but no one gave her an answer. The young men who seemed familiar were just his friends, and none of them would betray him. With no other options, she had called Julian. His response had been cold and distant. "We're not related," he had said. "Why would I answer your questions?" She had hung up and blocked him. He had warned her many times that there was nothing between them, and never had been. The cold night air seeped into the car, as bitter as the air outside.

"Jack, roll up the window," Caleb mumbled in his sleep. Even while unconscious, he sounded like a commanding tycoon. Sydney didn't answer. She moved her hand and opened the window all the way. The cold rushed in, deliberately. By the time they reached Viridian Garden, it was 3:30 a.m. Sydney stayed in the car, pulled out her phone, and called Penelope. Penelope answered on the second ring, her voice sharp with anger. "Are you insane? Do you know what time it is?" "Come downstairs," Sydney said curtly. "For what?"! "For your lover." Penelope fell silent.

drunk. She frowned and demanded, "What were you doing with him?" 1/3 B:39 AM Sun 24 Aug Chapter 35 Sydney smiled faintly. "If we actually did something, do you think I'd bring him here?"

somewhere else." Caleb was out of it. He hadn't even realized she'd moved out, but Penelope understood. She couldn't make sense of it. Sydney, the so-called docile rabbit of the relationship, had changed. And no one-not even Caleb-questioned her composure. She really knew how to put on a show. Penelope tried lifting him, but he was

with a dull thud. He adjusted himself slightly and passed out again. Penelope stood there, stunned. "Sydney, are you out of your mind?" "You're not out of your mind and you're strong, so handle him yourself," Sydney said calmly before getting back in her car and driving off. Penelope stared after her, speechless. 'What kind of game is this?' she thought. 'Is she faking a retreat just to come back stronger?' The next morning at